Training For A File-Based Industry...

If you work in a Post house you’ll no doubt be sorting out your workflows and adapting to the new world order of tapeless delivery as we near the October date for file based delivery to UK broadcasters. Similarly for an editor flying solo, or a small shop, you’re probably wondering how to manage the endless variation in sources and complexity of what you’ll need to deliver, writes Pat Horridge Technical Director, VET Post Production and Training, ACI (Avid Certified Instructor).

Thankfully the DPP (Digital Production Partnership) has done a fantastic job of bringing some order and sharing information with the community. NLE systems have got to grips with the variety of sources you may face and the need to do file-based exports, including AS-11. More pieces of the new Post workflow puzzle have slotted into place, with software and hardware ready to deal with Automatic Quality Control and tools for measuring and adjusting Loudness.
When working with technology and running a Post production business, everyday is a school day. Each change in process requires R &D and then a ripple through of development with:
1. your staff
2. your kit, and
3. your workflow - to ensure a smooth transition to full operational capacity.
If you think of the variations in our post production ecosystems, from ingest to deliverables, then it’s no surprise that each company has a unique way of working and will need tailored solutions. While a lot of resellers have some very nice boxes that can do some of what you need, it’s essential that those doing the purchasing have a good understanding of the processes and can come to an unbiased viewpoint.
New technology and processes in post require new workflows and there’s rarely a one-size- fits-all solution.
On just that basis, we’ve been working with individual Post houses and production companies to help them with the move from tape-based processes to the new file-based order. It’s a time to review post production workflows in the round and assess cost/benefit of new investment in staff and/or kit. Post houses must grasp the changes but for production companies with in-house post this may be the right time to take more stages of the post production delivery in-house, while for others it’s a technical step too far and outsourcing more of the process may be the solution.
Luckily for the UK Post Production community Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Fund (SIF) has a new cross-sector fund that offers a 50% grant towards eligible courses.
It’s open to applications from qualified companies who want to upskill their staff. Our eligible short courses include DPP for Technicians, file compression, and quality control and if your team have some basic skills gaps our Understanding Digital Video and Audio will sort that out. Courses in editing with Avid, Premiere Pro, and FCP X are also eligible for the funding. Aside from listed courses bespoke training may be eligible too.
In our fast-paced, technology-reliant service industry, we are constantly learning – everyday is really a school day in our shop.
Staff training is a key investment for the future of the whole Post production industry, not just for our own ecosystems. It’s time to commit to all our futures.

The article is also avalable to read in BFV online.

(IT/CD)